HOPKINSVILLE, KY – After more than eight years of executive leadership with the City of Hopkinsville, City Administrator and Chief of Staff Troy Body has announced his transition to the next chapter of his professional career following a tenure marked by organizational transformation, strategic investment, stronger public institutions, and measurable community impact.
Since joining the city in 2018, Body has served as the city’s senior operating executive for an organization of more than 335 employees with responsibility for nearly $60 million in annual operations. Working alongside elected officials, department leaders, employees, community partners, and regional stakeholders, he helped modernize government operations, strengthen financial performance, and position Hopkinsville for continued growth.
Under Body’s leadership, the city implemented performance management systems, standardized operating procedures, and modernized financial practices designed to improve accountability, efficiency, and service delivery. During his tenure, city revenues increased nearly 30 percent in four years while a renewed focus on organizational alignment, employee engagement, and continuous improvement strengthened workplace culture and operational performance.
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Goodbye messages from city officials
Former Mayor Carter Hendricks, who was serving as mayor when Body joined the City of Hopkinsville in 2018, highlighted the lasting impact of his work.
“Since Troy arrived at Team Hopkinsville in 2018, he has demonstrated a commitment to pushing Hopkinsville forward, particularly in economically distressed areas. His tireless work on revitalizing abandoned lots and dilapidated properties will be felt for generations in improved neighborhoods, safer streets, stronger local tax revenue, and future opportunities. He will be missed, but his impact will not be forgotten, and his efforts have been appreciated,” Hendricks said.
Councilmember Chuck Crabtree, who represents Ward 4, reflected on Body’s commitment to city employees and his willingness to collaborate with elected leaders.
“Troy will be missed by the City of Hopkinsville, and we are all better for having served alongside him. Over the past five and a half years, I’ve seen Troy lead with a servant’s heart, always putting city employees, departments, and citizens first. He has been one of our employees’ strongest advocates and a coach and mentor to many. He has always been willing to listen to my ideas, even the silly ones, and turn some of them into action for the betterment of our city. He values the experience others bring to the table and can effectively put good advice into practice. Troy, I wish you the very best as you move forward and upward,” Crabtree said.
Mayor James R. Knight, Jr. echoed Crabtree’s sentiments stating, “Troy has always put the people of Hopkinsville first, especially the employees who serve our community every day. His leadership, dedication, and genuine care for others have made a lasting impact on our city.”
Notable work for the city
Body helped lead one of the most significant periods of capital investment in Hopkinsville’s history. Through collaboration with department leaders, elected officials, project partners, and community stakeholders, he provided leadership for transformative projects including the Hopkinsville Sportsplex, Fire House No. 5, and the Regional Public Safety Training Center, more than 50 miles of roadway and pedestrian improvements, Kentucky’s longest overland pedestrian bridge, and multiple community parks, including Rotary Park.
These investments have enhanced public safety, expanded recreational opportunities, strengthened quality of life, and created long-term value for the community.
Beyond infrastructure, Body focused on building the systems, partnerships, and strategies necessary for Hopkinsville’s long-term success. He conceptualized and brought forward the Lot Next Door initiative, a redevelopment strategy designed to address more than 1,000 vacant properties through neighborhood revitalization, workforce housing opportunities, expanded property values, and future economic growth.
The program continues under dedicated staff leadership as it advances toward its long-term objectives. Body also developed and presented the concept for the city’s Small Business Commission, which City Council later established to support entrepreneurship, business growth, and economic development. He created and designed the Growing Home initiative, a strategic effort focused on strengthening neighborhoods, expanding opportunities, and improving quality of life for residents.
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Achievements while working for the City of Hopkinsville
As chair of the Hopkinsville Land Bank Authority, Body worked alongside an engaged board of community leaders to expand the Land Bank’s impact. During his tenure, the Land Bank strengthened its funding strategy, increased public awareness and marketing efforts, enhanced staffing capacity, and broadened its role as a tool for redevelopment and neighborhood investment.
He also collaborated with national organizations, including the National Land Bank Authority and the Center for Community Progress, to adopt national best practices and strengthen the city’s land redevelopment, and code enforcement strategies.
Body expanded Hopkinsville’s regional, state, and national partnerships. He helped strengthen the city’s relationship with Fort Campbell through the Intergovernmental Service Agreement, positioning Hopkinsville as a stronger partner with one of the nation’s largest military installations. He also broadened engagement with state and national elected officials to advocate for Hopkinsville’s priorities, resources, and long-term growth.
Body also remained active in professional local government organizations, partnering with the Western Kentucky City Managers Association, Kentucky City Managers Association, and the International City/County Management Association to support collaboration, professional development, and the continued evolution of the city administrator/chief of staff profession.
Throughout his tenure, Body emphasized collaboration and empowered department leadership. Working with the fire chief, he helped guide the successful separation of fire and EMS services, strengthening operational effectiveness, financial sustainability, employee morale, and organizational clarity. In partnership with the police chief and department leadership, he supported efforts that resulted in a fully staffed Police Department.
Body also strengthened the city’s internal capacity through the establishment of its first communications department, development of financial policies and governance resources, and creation of cross-department leadership initiatives focused on artificial intelligence, code enforcement, and workforce housing. These efforts enhanced the city’s ability to communicate effectively, plan strategically, and respond to emerging challenges.
Support voiced from community partners
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Body has been actively engaged in the civic life of Hopkinsville. He has served on the Hopkinsville Library Board and Hopkinsville Arts Council and has supported organizations including the Hopkinsville Literacy Council, Boys & Girls Club, and Hopkinsville History Museum, reflecting his commitment to education, culture, youth development and community enrichment.
Community partners also shared their appreciation for Body’s support of local organizations and the people they serve.
“Troy has been wonderful to work with and an incredible asset to our community,” said Terrence Davis, Director of the Boys & Girls Club in Hopkinsville. “I’m especially grateful for everything he has done for the Boys & Girls Club and the young people we serve. His support has meant a great deal, and he will certainly be missed.”
Francene Gilmer, Director of the Hopkinsville Literacy Council, noted, “Troy Body has made a difference in ways many people may never see. He shared thoughtful advice and practical ideas for working with our youth, and those ideas made an impact. Although we didn’t have the opportunity to work together directly, he was always supportive of the Literacy Council’s efforts. I deeply appreciate that support and wish him well, always.”
His impact has also been felt in the everyday connections he has made throughout Hopkinsville. Amanda and April Huff-McClure, owners of Corner Coffeehouse, have named Body their honorary Customer of the Year for eight consecutive years.
“Troy has been a bright spot in our lives since he moved to Hopkinsville. Whether he stops in on a serious day or brings his trademark sarcasm, we enjoy every minute of our conversations with him. He’s more than a regular customer to us, and we will miss him tremendously,” the Huff-McClures said.
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Body speaks about time in Hopkinsville, background
“If there’s one thing I’m most proud of, it’s leaving this organization stronger than I found it,” Body said. “Stronger financially. Stronger operationally. Stronger in infrastructure, staffing, technology, systems, vision, morale, and community engagement. Across the board, the foundation is stronger, and the organization is well positioned for continued growth.”
“Serving the residents of Hopkinsville has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our employees, the partnership of elected leaders, the leadership of our department heads and the commitment of this community.”
Prior to his service in Hopkinsville, Body held senior leadership roles at the state and international levels, including serving as commissioner of culture and history in West Virginia, press secretary to a Kentucky governor, and chief of party for a $60 million USAID-funded democracy and governance initiative in South Sudan. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for strengthening institutions, developing high performing teams, and delivering measurable results in complex environments.
As Body begins the next chapter of his career, he leaves Hopkinsville with stronger operational systems, expanded organizational capacity, broader regional partnerships, significant public investments, and a strategic foundation for continued growth.
Message from former Mayor Lynch
Reflecting on Body’s departure and the legacy he leaves behind, former Mayor Wendell Lynch offered both appreciation for his service and optimism for his future.
“Troy’s planned departure evokes both happy and sad thoughts regarding his very impactful tenure in Hopkinsville,” said Lynch. “Happy, of course, because he has really earned the opportunity to venture forward into the next chapter in his life. His sense of forward thinking and strategic planning are among his greatest assets, which we will miss dearly. Happy because he has witnessed the fulfillment of many of the challenges and opportunities of which he has shared a role. Happy because his tenure draws to a close without stain or blemish. Sad because his dedication to excellence and sometimes near-invisible influence will be no more.”
“Thank you, Troy Body. Well done!” concluded Lynch.
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